Chip depth · exposed substrate · corrosion risk

Stone Chip Repair in Mitcham

A stone chip is not just a small cosmetic mark. If the impact has reached primer or metal, the repair should be chosen before moisture gets beneath the surrounding paint.

Chip depth

Clear coat, colour, primer or metal

Panel condition

Loose paint and corrosion checked

Quote first

Repair method agreed before work

What makes a paint chip different from a scratch?

Chips are impact points, commonly found on a bonnet edge, bumper, mirror housing or front wing. The important decision is how far the impact has travelled through the paint system—not how noticeable it looks from a distance.

Clear-coat mark

The surface feels rough or catches the light, but colour remains intact.

Assessment determines whether refinement is appropriate.

Colour or primer exposed

The impact point looks lighter, darker or grey against the surrounding paint.

Inspect promptly to choose a sealing and refinishing approach.

Metal or corrosion visible

You can see bare metal, rust staining or paint lifting around the chip.

Book an assessment before moisture can spread beneath the surrounding paint.

The repair decision starts with the chip itself

We do not treat every paint chip as the same job. The panel, finish and damage boundary determine the right route.

Assess the chip

We check depth, panel material, edge condition and whether there is evidence of corrosion or paint lift.

Choose the right repair

The repair is matched to the chip: targeted treatment for isolated damage, or a wider finish repair where the panel needs it.

Protect the affected area

The aim is to restore the damaged paint system and avoid leaving exposed material or loose paint edges behind.

When to arrange an assessment

You can see grey primer, bare metal or rust staining in the impact point.
Paint around the chip is lifting, bubbling or showing a rough edge.
Several chips are concentrated across a bonnet edge, bumper or front-facing panel.
You are unsure whether the damage is a chip, a scratch or a wider paint issue.

Related bodywork decisions

SMART Repair

For localised cosmetic damage where a wider small-area repair may be the better route.

Scratch Repair

For linear paint damage where depth through the paint layers drives the repair choice.

Car Respray

For broader paint damage or when a panel needs a wider refinishing approach.

Stone-Chip Repair FAQs

Can a stone chip cause rust?

It can if the impact has exposed primer or metal and moisture reaches the damaged area. An inspection confirms whether the chip is limited to the clear coat, has reached colour or primer, or needs corrosion treatment before refinishing.

How do I know whether a paint chip needs professional repair?

A chip needs assessment when you can see primer, metal, rust staining, loose paint around the edge, or several chips concentrated on one panel. Surface marks may need a different approach from deeper impact damage.

Can you match the colour of my car?

We assess the affected panel and vehicle paint information before recommending the repair method. The required process depends on the finish, the chip size and whether blending is needed around the damaged area.

Is stone-chip repair the same as scratch repair?

No. A stone chip is a small impact point, commonly on forward-facing panels, while a scratch is usually a line through one or more paint layers. The damage pattern, corrosion risk and repair approach are different.

Can a heavily chipped bonnet or bumper be repaired?

Yes, but the right option depends on how many chips there are, how deep they are and whether the surrounding finish has deteriorated. After inspection, we explain whether individual treatment, a local repair or broader refinishing is more appropriate.

Do I need to book a stone-chip assessment?

Call the Mitcham workshop before travelling so we can discuss the damage and arrange a suitable assessment. We provide the repair recommendation and quote before work begins.

Repair decision guides

IQ Tyres is temporarily closed following a serious fire.

We cannot currently accept vehicles, quotation requests or workshop visits. Please do not send photos for assessment while the garage remains closed.

Temporary closure information

For an existing booking, previous work or another outstanding matter, use the current contact details: 07904962265 or Sales@iqtyres.com.